Computer Forensics
All activity which takes place on a computer, laptop or server has the potential to leave behind a trace of what the user has done. This can prove vital in litigation case, where someone’s computer-based actions are in dispute.
Particularly in cases of:
- fraud
- intellectual property theft
- money laundering,
- computer/internet misuse
- inappropriate/indecent images
- cyberslacking
- regulatory issues
- bullying/harassment
- contravention of acceptable use policies
- …and others
When your client first raises suspicion of any of the above issues, the initial response is vital. Whether the computer requires subsequent analysis or not, the method of securing the device and the evidence it contains is crucial. A brief summary is available here (Click to download 
), but CCL-Forensics can provide immediate support and advice to law firms when they are presented with such a case. This includes:
Immediate, free advice
CCL-Forensics can provide support and direction when you are first made aware of your client’s situation.
When suspicions of computer misuse are first raised, please call CCL-Forensics on 01789 261200.
Our staff and experts can discuss the various options available to you and your client along with expected costs and timescales.
On site data collection
The processes and procedures to acquire digital evidence are complex, and unless done properly could be open to legal challenge.
CCL-Forensics can carry out this data collection – or “forensic imaging” - at your, or your client’s, premises. It can also be carried out covertly if necessary.
Once the data has been acquired it is returned to our laboratory for analysis if required. It can also be processed and returned to yourself for viewing, or if there is a considerable amount of data, it can be prepared for viewing in an e-discovery platform.
Analysis of data collected
In cases where specific activity is relevant (e.g. did an employee copy sensitive data onto, say, a memory stick), then CCL-Forensics experienced analysts can search for such activity and provide a comprehensive, plain-English report.
It may be the case that where there are many documents, an e-discovery solution is the best approach. This allows you to view, filter, search, redact and manage the data gathered in an online portal.
Retrieval of deleted data
If an individual has tried to cover their tracks, deleted data could provide useful direction to the case.
It may be possible to retrieve deleted data. This is dependent on a large number of factors, including the amount of use a computer has been subjected to since the data was deleted.
Swift action is required when computer misuse is suspected
Court attendance/expert witness
Our experts are regularly called upon to give evidence.
All CCL-Forensics staff undergo courtroom training, both provided internally by our experienced team of expert witnesses, and externally by Bond Solon and other training providers.
CPD courses
CCL-Forensics is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to provide CPD courses to law firms.
Our course to civil lawyers covers the fundamental processes involved in collecting data, subsequent analysis, options available to solicitors and best practice to help your clients react correctly when suspicions are raised.
For more information, even if you don’t have a current case where digital evidence is likely to be relevant, please contact us on 01789 261200 for a discussion about the changing legal landscape with regard to digital evidence. Alternatively, if you have any specific questions, please email us or pick up the phone. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
